Overview

The Geological Sciences programme at the University at Buffalo offers a specialised non-thesis Master of Science track designed for aspiring professionals. This curriculum focuses on advanced coursework and practical skill development rather than intensive academic research, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.

This degree is particularly suited for those aiming for careers in environmental consulting, applied earth sciences, or government agencies. By removing the traditional thesis requirement, the programme allows for an accelerated timeline, enabling most students to complete their graduate studies in approximately eighteen months.

Students benefit from a highly customisable learning experience where they can align their studies with specific professional objectives.

Why Geological Sciences at University at Buffalo?

Choosing this programme at the University at Buffalo provides access to a prestigious College of Arts and Sciences environment. The department is home to expert faculty members who are recognised leaders in diverse fields such as volcanology, climate change, and environmental geology.

The institution offers distinctive teaching features, including flexible pathways that allow students to specialise in high-demand areas. Facilities and research labs support a wide range of interests, from computational geosciences to geohazards, ensuring students learn using contemporary industry standards.

The non-thesis track is specifically structured for real-world application, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice. This focus on career-oriented training makes the university a primary choice for those looking to enhance their employability in the global geosciences sector.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 12870 per semester
National fee: USD 12870 per semester
Local fee: USD 5655 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

To earn the degree, students must complete 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. Modules may include:

Core Geologic Categories

Climate
Environmental Geology
Geohazards, Volcanology, or Geodynamics
Elements of Geologic Research

Electives and Professional Credits

Earth Sciences
Career-Oriented Coursework
Seminar

Careers with Geological Sciences

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for various professional roles within the applied earth sciences sector. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of employers in environmental consulting firms, where technical expertise in geology and environmental monitoring is highly valued.

Potential career paths include positions in resource management, hazard assessment, and environmental protection. Many alumni find success in private industry or regulatory agencies, applying their knowledge of geohazards, water systems, and climate impacts to solve complex environmental challenges in the field.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Geological Field Training

Advanced Ecology

Marine Ecology

Field Course In Tropical Marine Ecology

Hydrogeology

Environmental Geophysics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

More details

Applications submitted after these deadlines are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Buffalo, United States

Disciplines

Geology Geographical Information Systems (GIS) View 137 other Masters in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

University at Buffalo Online Application: Please submit the online application for review. If you do not wish to complete the entire application at this time, you may create and save a partial application for completion at a later date

Personal Statement: As part of the online application, we require a brief statement of your research interests and experience, as well as your educational goals and career objectives

Application Fee

Transcripts: We require official or unofficial transcripts from every institution previously attended. You must upload transcripts yourself. Only after acceptance to the University at Buffalo will we request official transcripts.

GRE Scores

Letters of Recommendation

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Out-of-State

25740 USD / year

≈ 25740 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11310 USD / year

≈ 11310 USD / year

Living costs

Buffalo

United States

920 - 1560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Geological Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Buffalo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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